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An Investigative-Thriller TV Series Inspired by Sylvia Yu Friedman's Memoir, A Long Road to Justice
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Summary
"Fallen Butterflies" is a riveting and timely investigative-thriller TV series inspired by Sylvia Yu Friedman's memoir, "A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia." This powerful series brings to light the harrowing experiences of former "comfort women" who were forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII. Through Sylvia's two-decade investigation into the trafficking underworld and her firsthand encounters with survivors, Fallen Butterflies exposes the devastating consequences of modern-day slavery. It aims to raise global awareness, inspire change, and give a voice to those who have suffered unspeakable horrors. Join the movement to shed light on the unseen suffering, empower survivors, and ignite social transformation in the fight against modern slavery.
TV series inspired by books hold immense significance in shedding light on social justice issues. By adapting powerful narratives from literature like A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia to the screen, these series have the ability to reach a wide audience and engage viewers in crucial conversations about systemic injustices, marginalized communities, and the need for positive change. Through compelling storytelling, these adaptations can educate, challenge perspectives, and inspire empathy, fostering a collective understanding and mobilizing individuals towards a more equitable future.
Fallen Butterflies: A Riveting and Timely Investigative-Thriller TV Series
An Inspiring Memoir
Based on Sylvia Yu Friedman's memoir, A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia, Fallen Butterflies unveils the dark legacy of modern slavery. Sylvia, an award-winning filmmaker, author, philanthropy advisor, and anti-slavery campaigner, chronicles her life's work in exposing and fighting against the horrors of modern-day slavery, particularly the plight of the "comfort women." These were hundreds of thousands of women and girls forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII in the Asia Pacific region.
A Journey of Struggle and Empowerment
In her memoir, Sylvia shares the valuable lessons she learned from her two-decade investigation into the trafficking underworld. She courageously navigated a cross-cultural, male-dominated work environment while working as a philanthropy advisor, filmmaker, and journalist. Sylvia's firsthand experiences and near-unfettered access to stories from both Asia and the West lend profound relevance to Fallen Butterflies, making it an impactful TV series for audiences around the world.
The Vision of Fallen Butterflies
A Call to Shed Light on Unseen Suffering
Through Fallen Butterflies, Sylvia aims to shed light on the unspeakable suffering endured by victims of modern slavery. Her encounters with survivors like Kim Soon-Duk, a former "comfort woman," fueled her determination to raise global awareness. The series exposes the devastating consequences these survivors continue to face, such as health problems and mental health issues. By telling their stories, Fallen Butterflies emphasizes the urgent need for justice and compassion in a world where sexual violence persists even in conflict zones like Ukraine.
Inspiring Change through Storytelling
Sylvia's hope for the TV series adaptation of her memoir is to inspire professionals, especially women, to volunteer and support those trapped in modern-day sex trafficking. Through her personal journey documented in A Long Road to Justice, she calls upon young people and professionals to utilize their abilities, talents, and finances to effect social change for the most marginalized individuals on Earth. By reaching a wider audience through the TV series, Fallen Butterflies aims to educate the next generation and instill a sense of hope in the fight against modern slavery.
HAVE YOU READ?
Collaborating with Viddsee Labs
A Dynamic Partnership for a Powerful Series
Working together with Viddsee Labs, Sylvia found the perfect team to develop her memoir into a compelling TV series. The collaboration was driven by shared passion and a deep understanding of the project's importance. The dynamic team, including individuals like Nicolette and Megan, possesses boundless talent, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to creating a world-class production. With their energy and hunger, Viddsee Labs is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
A Message for Aspiring Filmmakers
The Power of Film in Driving Change
Sylvia emphasizes the immense power of feature films and TV as vehicles for raising awareness and catapulting causes into the global stratosphere. She urges aspiring filmmakers not to squander this opportunity to inspire, educate, heal, and effect change, not only in the present but also for future generations. By leveraging the power of storytelling, filmmakers can amplify their message and ignite social transformation.
About Sylvia Yu Friedman
A Multifaceted Advocate for Justice
Sylvia Yu Friedman is an accomplished filmmaker, author, TV host, and philanthropy consultant. Her impressive body of work includes multiple books, such as A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia and Silenced No More: Voices of Comfort Women. Sylvia's dedication to human rights has garnered her numerous accolades, including the Global 50 Women in Sustainability Awards and a place on the Top 100 Human Trafficking & Slavery Influence Leaders List. Her extensive experience managing and directing humanitarian portfolios has granted her access to influential networks worldwide.
Notable Works
Sylvia's filmography includes impactful documentaries like From Darkness to Hope, Slave Grooms in Hong Kong, and Suffering in Silence. Her documentaries on human trafficking in China, Hong Kong, and Thailand earned her the prestigious International Human Rights Press Award in 2013. Through her work, Sylvia has shed light on forgotten voices and brought attention to critical social issues.
Join the Movement with Fallen Butterflies
An Unforgettable TV Series
Fallen Butterflies is set to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative, drawing viewers into the hidden world of modern-day slavery in Asia. Inspired by Sylvia Yu Friedman's memoir, this investigative-thriller TV series exposes the dark legacy of the "comfort women" and their fight for justice. Join the movement to uncover the truth, raise awareness, and empower survivors on their path to healing and redemption. Experience Fallen Butterflies, a series that seeks to educate, inspire, and bring hope to millions worldwide.
About Fallen Butterflies
Fallen Butterflies is a riveting and timely investigative-thriller TV series inspired by the bestselling memoir, A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia by Sylvia Yu Friedman. Sylvia is an award-winning filmmaker, author, philanthropy advisor and anti-slavery campaigner.
The book and its series adaptation details Sylvia’s life's work in exposing and fighting against modern day slavery, while seeking justice for former "comfort women", a horrific euphemism for hundreds of thousands of women and girls who were forced into sexual slavery across the Asia Pacific by the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII.
She describes the good, the bad and the ugly lessons she’s learned from her two-decade investigation into the trafficking underworld and from her two-track career in philanthropy advising as well as filmmaking and journalism. It was often challenging to work in a cross-cultural, male-dominated work environment.
Sylvia and her husband Matt Friedman’s unique background and their near-unfettered access to stories from both Asia and the North American regions will lend this series a profound relevance among audiences from Asia and the West. Viddsee Labs is developing this TV series.
Leveraging the popularity of investigative thrillers, Fallen Butterflies seeks to bring to the screen the long but hopeful and cathartic road to freedom from a generation of pain brought about by systemic slavery in modern Asia.
More About Sylvia Yu Friedman
Sylvia is an award-winning filmmaker, author, TV host, and philanthropy consultant. She is the author of three books, A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia and Silenced No More: Voices of Comfort Women, the only journalistic account of historical Japanese military sex slavery during WWII, and Heart and Soul: The Life Story of Pastor Augustus Chao. Sylvia is the editor of the book, Rethink the Couch: Into the Bedrooms and Boardrooms of Asia with an Expat Therapist. Sylvia was awarded the Global 50 Women In Sustainability Awards 2022 by The SustainabilityX® Magazine. She was among the Top 100 Human Trafficking & Slavery Influence Leaders List in 2017 by Assent Compliance. She won the prestigious 2013 International Human Rights Press Award for her three-part documentary series on human trafficking in China, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Since 2005, Sylvia has managed and directed millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios impacting at least more than one million people. This work has given her access to many influential networks in different countries. Sylvia is currently writing books and also developing TV and film projects.
Filmography
From Darkness to Hope: Transformation of an Ex-Trafficker - Documentary (2018)
Slave Grooms in Hong Kong - Documentary (2018)
Suffering in Silence: The Indonesian Child Maids of Hong Kong and Singapore - Documentary (2019)
Music Video – Faith, Hope, Love by Zino Chan (2018) (Sex trafficking theme)
Music Video – Where Were You? Cybil Chan (2018) (Sex trafficking theme)
Healing River Documentary (2011 aired on 7G TV in China)
24 Current Affairs Documentaries (2012-2014)
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